Improperly Discarded Smoking Materials Remain Leading Cause of Structure Fires, HCFR Warns

HORRY COUNTY, SC —  Horry County Fire Rescue is reminding residents to properly extinguish and dispose of smoking materials after crews recently responded to a residential structure fire that heavily damaged the exterior of a home.

According to Horry County Fire Rescue, the fire appears to have been caused by improperly discarded smoking materials, a preventable hazard that continues to be one of the leading causes of structure fires both in Horry County and across the United States.

Fire officials say cigarette butts should never be tossed into vegetation, mulch beds, grass, plastic containers, or other combustible materials. Even a seemingly extinguished cigarette can retain enough heat to ignite nearby fuels and quickly spread fire to a structure.

HCFR recommends smokers fully extinguish cigarette butts in a deep, sturdy metal container filled with either sand or water before disposal.

In the recent incident, firefighters were able to keep most of the damage confined to the exterior of the residence. However, fire officials noted that similar situations often escalate into major structure fires that cause extensive property damage and place occupants at risk.

As outdoor conditions remain favorable for fire spread in many areas, emergency officials are encouraging residents to take extra precautions and properly dispose of smoking materials every time.

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